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Saturday, 22 March 2014

If your work lifestyle is anything like mine, Spring doesn’t
naturally coat your life in glowing relaxation with the promise of the Summer.
No, no, no. For some unearthly reason, every time the sun bursts through the
clouds like a rare invitation to linger outside, an angry deadline or a meeting
grabs me by the scruff of the neck and drags me back to the office.

My only consolation is in the little things that
leave me with a sunny smile. Here are three Spring-inspired trends that add just a
pop of life to even the longest and dullest of days…

One unavoidable trend this season has got to be the ethnic
print, or as my boyfriend calls it ‘Aztec cool’. There is an incredible ‘off
the beaten track’ bite to any item with that characteristic black on bold
pattern (even when you know it’s highstreet or designer!) I am personally
besotted with this Bimba Y Lola ‘Le Parc Print’ special. It’s somewhere between
the South American continent and 1960s geometry. Pair it up with an airy,
oversized shirt and you’re good to go.

I came across this London born and bred brand at Fashion
Week this year. It’s a perfect example of how the Best of British is constantly
evolving and transforming with up-and-coming talent. The Hampshire is a minimal
beauty, combining off-white-painted calf leather, chrome plating and a pair of
distinctive white racing stripes. It’s on my wish list.

I am mad about block colour – especially when it props up
quite unexpectedly. When I first lay eyes on these beautiful teal heels, I
imagined a complete cream number accompanying it. What cheers ‘Spring’ more
than a basic palette with a shot of the most joyful tone of the season?

Thursday, 6 March 2014

When culottes first made their comeback on the catwalks, I imagined a short-lived celebration in the world of androgynous, futuristic fashion. They do have that trendy 'recycled' vibe - like you've just chopped off your grandfather's old summer bests just above your ankles, and drowned yourself in them, your torso just about peeking over above the waist. But this year's collections, both SS and AW, have proved just how diverse and truly wearable these knee-breachers can be, and most importantly that they can be worn at the office for an effortlessly brushed-up appeal. I am completely sold on Proenza Schouler's chic transformation of the genderless cut, as well as Alexander Wang's slightly more tailored interpretation. Wangling them in to my mid-season work wardrobe may just be the easiest thing in the world.